Yuchin Lin

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

MA Project - Restricted Access (SIA Only)

Project Type

MA Project - Curatorial Proposal

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Contemporary Art

First Advisor

Morgan Falconer

Second Advisor

Hongzheng Han

Abstract

In response to the evolving landscape where artists of color are increasingly securing their positions within the upper echelons of the art world, the acknowledgment of accomplished Asian diasporic artists with established legacies at the forefront of art history remains a challenging endeavor. Motivated by Michelle Yeoh's groundbreaking Oscar win as the first Asian recipient of the Best Actress award, I would like to curate an exhibition that spotlights emerging female artists of the Asian diaspora currently residing in the United States. This exhibition will take the form of a group show of first- and secondgeneration female Asian American artists who weave cultural heritage with contemporary expressions, exploring the multifaceted experiences within the AsianAmerican diaspora. The participating artists—Stephanie Mei Huang, Tinglan Huang, Melissa Joseph, Christina Yuna Ko, Stephanie H. Shih, Anne Wu, and Hong Chun Zhang—span a diverse range of mediums, including film, yarn, felt, ceramic, Chinese ink, found object, and mixed media. Through these mediums, they interlace their cultural heritage and personal narrative, addressing the complexities of mixed heritage and the evolution of the Asian American sense of self in our increasingly globalized society. The title of the show “Layers of Identity” is a direct reference to the intention of this exhibition: explore the profound hybridity within the diaspora identity and illuminate the myriad layers in relation to cultural practice. Drawing on their unique cultural backgrounds, the artists investigate the connections and disjunctions between two or more cultures. Immersed in the material culture of Asian diasporic communities, they navigate the symbolic resonance of objects. Emphasizing the 4 intimacy, imperfection, tactility, and functionality of materials, these artists reveal how objects can transcend their physicality to become vessels of memory, culture, and identity. Rather than relegating Asian American art to a single style, their chosen mediums underscore the breadth of artistry available. They serve as poignant references to their Asian American identity, bringing attention to the intricate layers that shape our perception of culture and self. Rooted in the concept that the diasporic experience is inherently one of hybridity, the artists and their works collectively defy a definitive conception of Asian American art, offering novel perspectives on the threads that weave through the diaspora experience. The ultimate goal of this exhibition is to foster dialogue around the continually evolving nature of cultural identity, bridging gaps between communities of diverse backgrounds and inspiring a deeper exploration of the vast and prosperous diaspora experience. The exhibition will be on view from June 7th to August 10th, 2024, in New York City at Nunu Fine Art’s project space.

Distinction

1

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